Denise O'Sullivan and Caitlin Hayes hit out at FAI over Colin Healy departure
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Ireland stars Denise O'Sulllivan and Caitlin Hayes have expressed disappointment at Colin Healy's departure from the WNT setup, with O'Sullivan suggesting the decision not to retain his services lacks common sense.
Former Cork City boss Healy was relieved of his Ireland duties when the FAI decided not to retain Eileen Gleeson as head coach following failure to qualify for next summer's European Championships. Healy was part of Gleeson's backroom team.
At the time of the decision, Healy's representatives Integrity Sport released a statement expressing disappointment, pointing out Healy's loyalty to the FAI at a time when he was grieving the loss of his late wife Kelly.
"Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work with the FAI, Eileen, her staff and players."
Experienced Ireland midfielder O'Sullivan has now publicly backed Healy, revealing her disappointment in a post on X.
"When a coach of Colin Healy’s caliber wants to stay involved I think it’s common sense to do whatever you can to keep him on. Major loss for the team. I’m disappointed to say the least."
Ireland teammate Caitlin Hayes expressed her agreement in a reponse to O'Sullivan's post: “I couldn’t agree more.
“Colin went above and beyond his role as an assistant coach and for me personally, he couldn’t have done much more to help me settle into a team, that was very daunting at the beginning. I would be doing all that I could for him to stay if it was up to me.”
The public show of frustration will raise fears of a disconnect between players and FAI officials about the best way forward. Players' dissasfication with the methods of previous manager Vera Pauw played a part in the FAI's decision not to renew the Dutch woman's contract following the last World Cup campaign.
O'Sullivan previously expressed her gratitude to Gleeson for her spell in charge.
"I truly enjoyed playing for Ireland under Eileen and the staff. Thanks Eileen for creating a great environment for us players and giving it your all."